Cambrian Assisted Living adding a memory care unit

Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh is planning to open an addition this spring that will offer care to people experiencing quality-of-life issues related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Construction has begun on the 26-unit facility, which is expected to be operating in March, said Denise Zebley, who owns and operates the facility at 333 N. Occidental Highway in Tecumseh with her husband, Gareth. The standalone facility will be on Short Street behind the assisted living community.

“We’ve been here eight years, and during that time we’ve seen an increase in demand for a facility for seniors dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s,” said Gareth Zebley. “In our assisted living facility, we’ve seen the need for more options for people with less physical needs. It is better to congregate them in one location.”

The new memory care senior living community will offer full-time residency as well as respite and day programs. Zebley said the individual apartments will afford residents peace and quiet when they need it.

The facility will include a significant investment in technology and safety. The equipment includes digital cameras, wireless nurse call devices, door controllers, wander guard systems and electronic care charting for residents. The most up-to-date communications, fire detection and suppression systems are also planned, Zebley said.

The interior floor plan has a living room, an activity room, a workshop, a meditation room and a beauty parlor. Multiple dining and common spaces will allow residents opportunities to engage in preferred activities.

A fenced-in courtyard between the two buildings will allow residents to safely enjoy the outdoors and stroll along a 500-foot walkway through landscaping. The courtyard will include a covered patio, a water fountain and a garden that residents can help tend.

The Zebleys anticipate creating another 30 health-care-related jobs, both full and part time, as well as the construction jobs. Site work began in June with construction starting in July.

“We have continuous training for our people,” Gareth Zebley said. “There is specific training for dealing with cognizance impairment. Every resident is different and often the best care is found in long-term memory.

“We do need to get to know residents, and the best way to facilitate their care is engaging with their families so we have some points of reference.”